A GAS fitter is being prosecuted over an explosion which injured 15 people and destroyed three terraced homes.

One woman, 75-year-old Marie Burns, was left fighting for her life after suffering severe burns in the blast in Irlam, Salford, on November 2 2010.

Five children were also among those who needed treatment.

Paul Kay, 29, of Slater Street, Warrington, Cheshire, is charged with failing to ensure that a gas fitting was properly supported and protected at Mrs Burns' home in Merlin Road, Irlam.

The explosion peppered passers-by with debris and flying glass and one man's ceiling collapsed on him.

More than 40 firefighters and search and rescue team sniffer dogs scoured the scene for anyone trapped but found no-one.

A large cordon was thrown around the surrounding streets and 200 homes were evacuated.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said: "Mr Kay is charged with breaching Regulation 7(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. The charge relates to failing to ensure a gas fitting was properly supported and protected."

Kay is due to appear at Trafford Magistrates' Court on June 15, said the HSE.